20140923Comment.pdf

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RE 0EV ED
2U11iSEP23 PM 2:59
September 23,2014
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Honorable Paul Kjellander
HonorabLe Marsha Smith
Honorable Mack Redford
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
472 West Washington Street
Boise,Idaho 83702
Submitted via fax [phone]
Re:Idaho Power --Energy Sales Agreement with Grand View 1W Solar Two,LLC,WC-E-14-19.
Dear Commissioners:
As Executive Director of Idaho Concerned Area Residents for the Environment (ICARE)and Co-Founder
of Idaho Residents Against Gas Extraction (IRAGE).I am writing today on behalf of our 700+members
in support of the Grand View solar project.
This past weekend OVER 400,000 people marched through the streets of Manhattan demanding that our
elected officials—worLdwide—take swift action to combat the potentially catastrophic effects of rampant
climate change.
Just today,we learned that the Rockefellers are divesting from their oil arid gas portfolios to focus on
renewabLe and sustainable energy production,along with oilier global investment firms and individual
investors.In total,OVER 50 BILLION DOLLARS were removed from fossil thai production
investments and reinvested in projects like Grandview—TODAY!
We have ALL of the tools necessary to put Idaho at the forefront of renewable energy!We know from
research that these types of projects are not only good for the communities they are located,but are also
job creators—and most of those jobs will go to local citizens.The pay is way above Idaho’s minimum
wage,and a great many of permanent solarjobs have benefits most Idaboans (especially rural Idahoans)
do not have (like health insurance and retirement)!
My understanding is that the Grandview project wiLl generate increased local revenue during the time of
its construction,and supply as much as $400,000 in yearly property taxes to Elmore County for many
years to come.
This project is absolutely the right decision for Idahoans,both environmentally and economically.II will
produce 80MW of electricity—equivalent to the power used by 20,000 households.Solar power requires
nothing to bum;it does not produce ANY emissions.To compare:80MW of coal power emits 102,000
tons of CO2 a year (279 tons of C02 every day),as well as mercury,hydrocarhons,arsenic,lead,and
other toxic heavy metals.
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The Grand View project ivill be located on 560 acres of unused famland,and its construction will not
create any adverse affects on the local environment.This utility-scale solar fanu benefits Idaho Power
by helping it meet recent EPA requirements to reduce its overall carbon emissions.
We view the Grand View 80MW solar project as a tremendous financial opportunity for Elmore County,
as well as a good business direction for Idaho.We need industry that can supply 300 local jobs for a year,
as well as many permanent full-time positions for maintenance speciaLists.
Once again,on behalf of our members,we urge you to support the Gmndview project It is good for
Idaho,it is good for Idahoans,and it is great for the dlimatel
Respecffullv submitted,
Alma Hasse
Executive Director
Idaho Concerned Area Residents for the Environment (ICARE)
Co-Founder
Idaho Residents Against Gas Extraction
Post Office Box 922
Fruitland,ID 83619-0922
idahocareZIya Ii oo.coin
208-695-1556